How the Emperor’s New Toy Gave Way to Your Car

The video explores the early history of the automobile, beginning in the 1670s with Ferdinand Verbius, a Flemish missionary and scientist. Verbius was sent to the court of the Kangzi Emperor in China, where he was initially imprisoned but later impressed the emperor with his skills in math and astronomy. As a result, he became the court astronomer and a close friend of the emperor. Around 1672, Verbius designed a steam-propelled trolley as a toy for the emperor, which is considered one of the earliest self-moving machines. Although it's unclear if it was ever built, Verbius' designs are significant in the history of automobiles.

Who was Ferdinand Verbius?

• A Flemish missionary and scientist

• A Chinese emperor

• An Italian artist

• A French philosopher

What was Verbius forced to do upon arriving at the emperor's court?

• Teach music to the emperor

• Write a book on philosophy

• Build a steam engine

• Compete in math and astronomy contests

How did Verbius secure his position at the emperor's court?

• By marrying into the royal family

• By bribing the court officials

• By winning a series of contests

• By inventing a new musical instrument

What did Verbius design for the emperor?

• A new palace

• A steam-propelled trolley

• A musical composition

• A set of astronomical tools

What is significant about Verbius's steam-propelled trolley?

• It was the first car to be mass-produced

• It was the earliest self-moving machine ever conceived

• It was the first vehicle to use gasoline

• It was the first vehicle to fly